Pneumatic Backrest Curvature Adjustment With Movable Arch Apex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat adjustment devices are either complex and expensive in their mechanical construction or offer limited comfort due to undefined pressure distribution from gas bags.
Innovation Solution
A seat adjustment device featuring a pneumatic arching element with a gas bag that distributes pressure evenly, combined with guiding and coupling elements for adjusting the curvature, and a cover member to protect the pneumatic element, allowing for both inflation via a pump and adjustment of the arch's apex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical adjustment device with Bowden cables is used to adjust the curvature of the backrest, then the seating comfort is improved through even pressure distribution, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment devices with Bowden cables with a pneumatic adjustment device using an air bag. The air bag is connectable to a compressed air source and can be inflated to adjust the curvature of the backrest, providing even pressure distribution for improved seating comfort while eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the air bag to achieve curvature adjustment. By controlling the inflation pressure of the air bag, the backrest curvature can be dynamically adjusted without mechanical linkages. The air bag can be inflated to different pressure levels to create different curvature states, providing both lumbar support and headrest functions.
2Device complexity
If a gas bag is used to adjust the backrest curvature, then the device structure is simplified, but the seating comfort is reduced due to undefined pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deflectable element with predetermined flexibility that dynamically adapts to the air bag inflation. The element can bend and deform in response to the expanding air bag, allowing the pressure to be distributed evenly across the backrest surface. This dynamic flexibility ensures that the simplified pneumatic structure achieves both structural simplicity and comfortable even pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a deflectable element made of flexible material that can deform under air pressure. This flexible element acts as an intermediary between the air bag and the backrest, distributing the inflation pressure evenly across the surface. The flexible nature of this element allows it to conform to the backrest geometry while maintaining even pressure distribution, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and seating comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pneumatic arching element is moved in the longitudinal direction to adjust the apex position, then the adjustment versatility is improved, but the risk of damage to the pneumatic element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover member as an intermediary protective element that surrounds the air bag during its movement and inflation. This cover member prevents direct contact between the air bag and the deflectable element, eliminating the risk of puncture or damage. The cover member allows the air bag to be moved in the longitudinal direction to adjust the apex position while protecting the pneumatic element from damage, thus enabling adjustment versatility without compromising reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple, comfortable, and cost-effective adjustment mechanism that enhances seating comfort by evenly distributing pressure and allowing precise adjustment of the seat curvature.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure of the pneumatic arching element, which can comprise a gas bag, for example, can be distributed evenly towards an occupant
Implementation Method 2
at least one guiding element for guiding the pneumatic arching element in a longitudinal direction of the deflectable element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an adjusting device comprising an element (311) which can be flexed, a pneumatic flexing element (307), for flexing the element (311), and guide rails (303), wherein the pneumatic flexing element (307) can be moved along the guide rails (303) in a longitudinal direction of the element (311).